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Published on: October 12, 2017
Lipoperoxidation as a measure of free radical injury in otitis media
1Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 10032, USA.
Abstract:
Free radical damage, as evidenced by lipoperoxidation, has previously been demonstrated to contribute to the inflammatory changes associated with acute otitis media. The present study was undertaken to evaluate whether lipoperoxidation continues to be present for a period of time after middle ear infection. Eighty-two 300- to 400-g guinea pigs were injected with Streptococcus pneumoniae in the left ear and sterile saline in the right ear as a control. Animals were examined and sacrificed on day 5, 10, 20, or 30; middle ear mucosa was harvested and assayed for lipid hydroperoxide content. A statistically significant increase in lipoperoxidation was seen at each time point studied, compared with controls. Lipoperoxidation was highest at days 5 and 10; a significant decrease was seen at days 20 and 30. Histologic sections of middle ear mucosa of two animals per group were prepared and evaluated for inflammation. These results demonstrate that lipoperoxidation may contribute to middle ear inflammation for a significant period of time after acute infection; the findings are discussed in light of other work on the role of free radicals in otitis media.
Insights
Lipoperoxidation, a marker of free radical damage, persists after acute otitis media infection in guinea pigs. This indicates ongoing inflammation may be linked to oxidative stress long after the initial infection.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Free radical damage, indicated by lipoperoxidation, is linked to acute otitis media inflammation.
- Previous research established a connection between oxidative stress and middle ear infection inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the persistence of lipoperoxidation after middle ear infection.
- To determine the duration of oxidative stress in acute otitis media.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-two guinea pigs were infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae in one ear and saline in the other.
- Middle ear mucosa was harvested on days 5, 10, 20, and 30 for lipid hydroperoxide assay.
- Histological evaluation of middle ear mucosa for inflammation was performed.
Main Results:
- Lipoperoxidation was significantly increased at all tested time points compared to controls.
- The highest levels of lipoperoxidation were observed on days 5 and 10 post-infection.
- A significant decrease in lipoperoxidation was noted by days 20 and 30.
Conclusions:
- Lipoperoxidation contributes to middle ear inflammation for an extended period post-infection.
- Oxidative stress plays a role in the inflammatory process of otitis media.
- Findings support the involvement of free radicals in chronic otitis media pathogenesis.
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